As for the others, most were scions of the city's aristocratic clans, or talented commoners Li Chen had encountered by chance.
His thinking was that tending one sheep was no different from tending a whole flock. Since he would be staying here, likely for several years, he might as well take in a few more disciples as fate brought them his way.
Unfortunately, their aptitude was limited. Few met Li Chen's expectations, and only one aristocratic clan scion had reached the standard of a craftsman.
Li Chen had devoted the most care to You San, but he was still only at the level of a tenth-year apprentice. That gap came from the shaky foundations laid in his childhood.
Looking at these young people he had personally nurtured, Li Chen sighed silently and said, "There is something I need to tell you in advance. In a little while, I will be leaving this place."
You San started in shock. "Master, you're leaving?"
The others spoke up as well. "Master..."
Li Chen said, "I have always been an idle cloud, a wandering crane. I stopped here and took you as nominal disciples only because fate brought us together. Now that our affinity has run its course, naturally, it is time for me to leave."
"Also, I have told you before that you need not call me Master. I never formally accepted you into my school, so you need not abide by the rules of my Ink Gate either. Take good care of yourselves from now on."
You San said sadly, "Our dull aptitude has disappointed you, but in our hearts, you will always be our master..."
The others also spoke with feeling. "Master, we will never dare forget your great kindness!"
Even the disciple from an aristocratic clan said, "Master, you have